Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU. Thank you again to everyone for the reviews! I really enjoy reading them.

Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe was created and is owned by George Lucas, this is just my imagination at work, based on the universe he has created. If this story is similar to another, it's pure coincidence.

Note: Thoughts are in italics.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As they entered the Naberrie home, the delectable, savory aroma of food filled the house; Jobal being in the kitchen. "Padmé?" she called out as footsteps came towards the two. "Padmé, Anakin, I hope you're hungry!"

"We sure are," Anakin grinned, heading straight for the dining room. "Starving even."

"Good, I made some trimpian for you, I hope you like it!"

Her cheery voice warmed everyone, as her excitement for food and cooking was catchy. The room was filled with smiles, Padmé, Anakin, Jobal and Ruwee all sitting at the table. She could see herself nervous at any other time; her parents and the man she loved all together for a dinner. But today was an exception. It felt like she was in the perfect daydream - but much to her delight, she was not dreaming. This was real. Her Anakin was back. He had returned from the darkness, and nothing could bring her down.

- - - -

"That was delicious, Mrs. Naberrie. I enjoyed it very much."

Padmé looked over at Anakin, the joy returning to his sapphire blue eyes. His face lit up; he no longer wore that expressionless look that was somehow grim all at once. He was Anakin Skywalker. The man she loved.

"Call me Jobal, Anakin. I'm glad you liked it! Why don't you and Padmé go for a walk in the garden?" Jobal replied, smiling and winking slyly at Padmé. She shooed them along, the two of them walking hand-in-hand around the homestead.

"You've changed so much, Anakin. You're you again," she smiled, her eyes so bright and joyful. "I love you, so much." He glanced down at her as they stopped in the middle of the garden pathway. His arms wrapped around her tiny body as they embraced.

"I love you too, Padmé," he beamed, holding her so close. Padmé never wanted the moment to end, but inevitably it did. Ruwee approached them, wanting to talk a bit with Anakin. He senses something serious, she thought, biting her lip. She felt like a little schoolgirl again as she walked back towards the house. Every waking moment she wanted to spend with him, every single minute of her life. She no longer had any responsibilities; there was nothing preventing their attachment to one another any longer. They could finally have the life they had dreamed of.

"So, Padmé," Jobal began as Padmé entered the kitchen to assist her. "You've finally got something serious going on here?" All she could do was nod. She felt that if she spoke she would have to jump up and down and cheer; the moment she had waited for so long had finally arrived. Words could not describe the extent of her happiness. "I like Anakin, very much. I think you make a very nice couple."

"I love him," she whispered, grinning from ear to ear. Jobal's eyes widened in shock and surprise, but also in happiness.

"Does he love you?"

"He told me he does."

"You sound unsure."

"Well," Padmé replied. "It's just," she continued slowly. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay. Let me know if you change your mind," Jobal smiled as they continued with the dishes. There was still that little fragment of doubt in the back of her mind. What if he still is Darth Vader, deep inside? There really would always be that worry. Time will tell.

"Did you see Sirté and Jarred?" her mother asked, though Padmé was distracted. Ruwee and Anakin were coming back towards the house, her father evidently explaining something based on his gestures. But, Anakin looked interested, and not like he was pretending. That brought a smile to her face as she answered the question at hand.

"Yes, we did," she replied, her eyes focused on him. "Adorable," she muttered quietly as the two men outside walked out of her line of vision. "They are adorable. But so small."

"They'll be fine. I'm sure of it," Jobal uttered confidently, a glimpse of fear and strength both in her eyes. "They can do it. They are strong."

"I can't wait to hold them," Padmé continued, her mother nodding in agreement just as the front door opened. Anakin and Ruwee were still talking as they came in, though the conversation ended as they entered the kitchen.

"Hey girls," Ruwee greeted them, getting out two glasses of water for himself and Anakin. He leaned in the doorway as Padmé's father handed him the tall, cold glass. His eyes were staring at her; undeniable love between the two.

"Padmé, I'll finish this."

"Thanks, mom."

Anakin and Padmé walked into her bedroom as she began to unpack. "I'll need to return to Coruscant to get my belongings then, if we stay." She nodded, hanging her robe in the closet.

"I'll go with you, I have a few things left at my apartment."

"And I have some. . business to attend to." He grinned at her as he took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"You're back, Anakin. You're really back."